Executive Decision

In this action thriller, a group of Islamic terrorists, led by Nagi Hassan (David Suchet), highjacks a 747 jetliner with 400 passengers aboard, but Lt. Col. Austin Travis (Steven Seagal), a United States intelligence agent, is convinced that this isn't an ordinary case of air piracy. His suspicions are soon confirmed; Hassan's men have obtained a large cache of stolen

Overview

In this action thriller, a group of Islamic terrorists, led by Nagi Hassan (David Suchet), highjacks a 747 jetliner with 400 passengers aboard, but Lt. Col. Austin Travis (Steven Seagal), a United States intelligence agent, is convinced that this isn't an ordinary case of air piracy. His suspicions are soon confirmed; Hassan's men have obtained a large cache of stolen Soviet nerve gas, and they are using the 747 to smuggle the deadly gas into the United States, where they intend to use it to wipe out Washington D.C. and possibly the entire East Coast. As the jet approaches the U. S., engineer Dennis Cahill (Oliver Platt) designs a plan in which a military plane will be able to transfer U.S. soldiers onto the 747 and regain control of the plane and its deadly cargo. However, when Travis dies in the course of the mission, intelligence agent Dr. David Grant (Kurt Russell) is forced to take his place alongside explosives expert Cappy (Joe Morton), commando Rat (John Leguizamo), and stewardess-turned-anti-terrorist Jean (Halle Berry). Executive Decision was the first directorial assignment for veteran film editor Stuart Baird; he cut the film as well.

Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide - Karl Williams

Inventive plot twists are the highlight of this action-thriller from screenwriter brothers Jim Thomas and John Thomas of Predator and longtime film editor-turned-director Stuart Baird. A running time that stretches on far too long for such thin material, wooden acting from some of the performers (notably Marla Maples in her screen debut), and occasionally laughable dialogue keep the film from achieving must-see status. Baird and his scribes have created a serviceable and tense popcorn picture, though, one likely to be enjoyed by the lowest common denominator at which it's squarely aimed. Though Steven Seagal leaves something to be desired as a performer as per usual, his is stunt casting. The rest of the cast is perfectly acceptable, led by Kurt Russell in the role that James Spader played opposite him in Stargate, a film that Executive Decision resembles to no small extent. Though some of the story developments don't hold much logical water, this is a film that crackles along on its own loopy energy, to be enjoyed with brain securely switched in the "off" position.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

There are a lot of things that I liked about this film. One- Kurt Russell- one of my favorite actors. Two- Steven Seagal- In his only co-starring role I know of, he did a good job and his character really surprised me. Three- Halle Berry- 'nuff said. Four- Joel Silver- finally makes an intelligent action film. After all the Lethal Weapons and Fair Games, finally an intelligent action film. Don't get me wrong, I loved most of his other films, but they do lack a certain amount of sophistication.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

this movie was amazing. the story line is great, and the whole movie was so realistic.